Harmful Algal Bloom Forecasting System

Thumbnail satellite image of the Gulf of Mexico

Overview

Advance warning of harmful algal blooms (HABs) increases the options for managing these events. The HAB Forecasting System provided by NOAA supplies information on the location, extent, and potential for development or movement of harmful algal blooms in the Gulf of Mexico.

The forecasting system relies on satellite imagery, field observations, and buoy data to provide the large spatial scale and high frequency of observations required to assess bloom location and movements. Conditions are posted to this Web page twice a week during the HAB season. Additional analysis is included in the HAB Bulletin that is provided to state and local resource managers in the region.

This an ongoing project that depends on the dedication, energy, and feedback of individuals from partner agencies and numerous other organizations working on this issue in the Gulf of Mexico.

HAB Bulletin

The HAB Bulletin alerts subscribers to developing blooms and changes in the location and extent of existing blooms.

The HAB Bulletin is sent twice a week via e-mail to registered users with natural resource management responsibilities. Forty-eight hours after the bulletin has been issued, it is posted to the Harmful Algal Bloom Bulletin Archive for general access. If you have management responsibility and would like to be added to the mailing list, contact

Available Mapping Systems

Thumbnail graphic the HABMapS interface Interactive tools are available that provide historical and near real-time data of environmental conditions that may affect the initiation and movement of these blooms.

Access near real time and historical observations and models from the Harmful Algal BloomS Observing System (HABSOS) at the National Coastal Data Development Center.

Other HAB Resources
Links to additional information about Harmful Algal Blooms including regional resources and related documents and web sites

NOAA presentation to Texas tourism community - July 10-11, 2006 (PPT) - 6.23 Megabytes

NOAA New England Red Tide Information Center